Full Breakdown
Kevin Hern Secures GOP Nomination for Oklahoma’s Open Senate Seat
6/17/2026, 6:47:50 AM
Core Event: Hern Wins Republican Primary
Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) captured the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Sen. Markwayne Mullin. Decision-Desk HQ and multiple news outlets projected Hern with roughly 68 % of the vote, eliminating the need for a runoff under Oklahoma law.
Background & Context: Mullin’s Resignation and Interim Appointment
In March 2026, Sen. Markwayne Mullin left the Senate after President Donald Trump nominated him as Secretary of Homeland Security, succeeding Kristi Noem. Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed former energy executive Alan Armstrong to fill the remainder of Mullin’s term. State law bars Armstrong from running for a full six-year term, leaving the seat open for the November election.
Key Figures & Groups
- Kevin Hern – Four-term U.S. Representative from Oklahoma’s 1st District, former McDonald’s franchisee, and former chair of the House Republican Policy Committee.
- Markwayne Mullin – Former U.S. Senator, now DHS Secretary.
- Alan Armstrong – Interim senator, longtime oil-and-gas executive, prohibited from seeking election.
- Donald Trump – Former president, endorsed Hern on Truth Social.
- John Thune – Senate Majority Leader, endorsed Hern.
- Tim Scott – NRSC chair, endorsed Hern.
- James Lankford – Senior Oklahoma senator, endorsed Hern.
Data & Statistics
- AP projections: Hern received 67.5 %–68 % of the Republican primary vote.
- Poll (June 2-3) showed Hern at 41 % support, with 44 % of likely voters undecided.
- Country-music singer Gary “Ty” England trailed with 8 % (poll) and 14.3 % (final).
- Oklahoma gave Trump a 34-point margin in the 2024 presidential election, underscoring the state’s Republican tilt.
Official Statements & Responses
President Trump endorsed Hern, calling him a “Great Patriot” and a “true friend of MAGA.” Senate leaders John Thune and Tim Scott, as well as Sen. James Lankford, publicly backed Hern’s candidacy. Gov. Stitt’s appointment of Armstrong was described as a temporary measure to maintain representation while complying with state law that bars the appointee from running.
Verbatim Quotes
- “a Great Patriot” and a “true friend of MAGA,” … “is doing a tremendous job advancing our AMERICA FIRST Agenda.” — Donald Trump, Truth Social (Mar 2026)
- “The numbers don’t lie: employment is up, wages are up, and hardworking families are succeeding! When we put America First, America Wins!” — Kevin Hern, X (2026)
- “I grew up on an Air Force base, worked my way through school, built businesses, and served Oklahoma in Congress,” — Kevin Hern, campaign video (Mar 2026)
- “Now I’m ready to fight for Oklahoma in the Senate.” — Kevin Hern, campaign post (2026)
- “Kevin Hern, from the Wonderful State of Oklahoma (where I won all 77 out of 77 Counties, in 2016, 2020, and 2024!), is a Great Patriot, and FANTASTIC Congressman! A true friend of MAGA, Kevin is now running for the United States Senate, where I know he will continue to do an incredible job.” — Donald Trump, Truth Social (2026)
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ slightly on Hern’s exact vote share: 67.5 % (Newsmax), 67.6 % (AP), and 68 % (Just The News). Poll data show England at 8 % support, while final results list him at 14.3 %. No source provides a complete breakdown of the remaining candidates’ vote totals.
What’s Next: General Election and Immediate Seating
The November 3 general election will pit Hern against Democrat N'Kiyla Thomas. Oklahoma law allows the winner to assume the Senate seat immediately, meaning Hern could replace Armstrong before the term’s official end in January 2027. Hern’s departure from the House opens Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District to a contested GOP primary, setting up a separate race for his former seat.
